Sony VP hints at spring announcement for PS4, before E3

As rumours for the next-generation PlayStation hot-up, Sony Electronics VP of Home Entertainment Hiroshi Sakamoto hinted at its being announced this Spring.

In an interview with Chilean publication Emol, the executive said the PlayStation group at Sony was getting ready for a big announcement.

Sakamoto added that the PlayStation team is "focused on E3", but that the "announcement could take place at that time, or maybe even before, in May".

Several reports have previously noted that Sony plans to hold its own event in March around the Game Developers Conference on 25-29 March, along with Microsoft, for its next-gen console. Of course, the Sony executive gave no official confirmation.

A report from research firm Baird Equity Research said the next-gen console may feature higher-end PC components, enhanced voice control, motion control, and better multi-media capabilities.

The firm added that the hardware will be sold for $350-$400 in the autumn, right before the Christmas shopping season.

Game Informer said in its February issue that Sony plans to give its next-gen console a strong start to prevent Microsoft from gaining the lead in market share.